Mission will be easier with construction of Bailey Bridge: Vijayan

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said many people were still missing, and it was initially difficult to begin the search operations due to the massive accumulation of soil.

"Initially, it was not possible to take big machines for rescue operations. But now that the Army is completing the construction of the Bailey Bridge, the mission will be easier," Vijayan added.

Asked about the rehabilitation of survivors, the chief minister said the victims would be taken care of.

"We have effectively rehabilitated such survivors earlier, too. We will continue the same," Vijayan said.

The chief minister asked the media to refrain from shooting and reporting from inside the relief camps.

He said the camps are presently housing numerous families, and privacy should be respected.

The chief minister said those, including reporters, who want to meet the families, can do so outside the camps, respecting the privacy of others.

After the press meet, Vijayan received cheques donated by various organisations to the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF).

He is scheduled to visit the disaster-hit areas soon.